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2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin’s The Origin of Species in which he advances the Theory of Evolution. The history of graphic images and the Theory of Evolution intersect on two significant levels.
Firstly, there is a rich history of printed images that have played an important role in giving visual expression to evolutionary biology, and continue to inform many contemporary artists working in graphic media.
Secondly, the Theory of Evolution offers a useful model for considering the development of methods of mechanical reproduction over the past five centuries, and for considering ways that systems of visual representation inform knowledge.
The papers for this session reflect both of these ideas. Wuon-Gean Ho’s paper will discuss the beast in print and in particular show work by Marcelle Hanselaar, while Diane Fox will present her photographs that examine the depiction of animals in natural history museum dioramas. Fritha Langerman’s paper discusses her use of diagrammatic and biological prints to examine the representational taxonomies of infectious diseases for a recent exhibition at the South Africa Museum. Finally, Beauvais Lyons will seek to connect these papers by considering evolution as metaphor, providing a context for linking the session papers. |